Foam Rolling of the Calf and Anterior Thigh: Biomechanical Loads and Acute Effects on Vertical Jump Height and Muscle Stiffness

Abstract

When considering the scientific lack concerning the execution and acute effects and mechanism of foam rolling (FR), this study has evaluated the biomechanical loads by the force-time characteristics during two popular FR exercises. Additionally, the acute effects of FR on jump height and muscular stiffness were simultaneously assessed. Within a randomized cross-over design, 20 males (26.6 ± 2.7 years; 181.6 ± 6.8 cm; 80.4 ± 9.1 kg) were tested on different days pre, post, and 15 and 30 min after three interventions. The interventions consisted of a FR procedure for the calf and anterior thigh of both legs, 10 min ergometer cycling, and resting as a control. Stiffness was measured via mechanomyography at the thigh, calf, and ankle. The vertical ground reaction forces were measured under the roller device during FR as well as to estimate jump height. Within the FR exercises, the forces decreased from the proximal to distal position, and were in mean 34 and 32% of body weight for the calves and thighs, respectively. Importantly, with 51 to 55%, the maxima of the individual mean forces were considerably higher. Jump height did not change after FR, but increased after cycling. Moreover, stiffness of the thigh decreased after FR and increased after cycling.

An Acute Bout of Self-Myofascial Release Does Not Affect Drop Jump Performance despite an Increase in Ankle Range of Motion

“…Load was not measured in the current study, but it might contribute to the changes in ROM. Baumgart et al measured vertical ground reaction forces when foam rolling was applied to the anterior thigh and calves, recording mean forces between 32 and 34% of body mass in a similar protocol to this study [47]. They showed that the countermovement jump performance was significantly reduced 15 and 30 min post intervention, as compared to pre scores.…”

“…By comparison, Morales-Artacho et al took 15 min SMR on the hamstrings only [46]. Baumgart et al revealed differences in stiffness at numerous time points and different joints following 2 × 30 repetitions of foam rolling [47]. The stiffness of the thigh was significantly reduced immediately following the intervention, but returned to pre levels at 15 and 30 min By contrast, ankle stiffness significantly increased at 30 min when compared to pre and immediately post intervention [47].…”

“…The results from these studies varied and, therefore, the biomechanical load may have contributed to these differences. Baumgart et al reports that the pressure exerted on the underlying tissues may exceed that used in occlusion studies, which can lead to damage of connective tissue, nerves, vessels, and bone [47]. Therefore, consideration of the biomechanical load used in studies is an important factor in future study design.…”

Effects of Vibration Rolling with and without Dynamic Muscle Contraction on Ankle Range of Motion, Proprioception, Muscle Strength and Agility in Young Adults: A Crossover Study

“…Fifth, the intensity of rolling techniques was not investigated. Different applied loadings of body weight on the target muscle during FR could have generated different outcomes [47].…”

The Recovery Benefit on Skin Blood Flow Using Vibrating Foam Rollers for Postexercise Muscle Fatigue in Runners

“…As manual massage is limited in terms of the execution angle for massage and efficiency, massage tools (e.g., massage balls, yoga columns, and foam rollers) have been developed. A foam roller (FR) can be used for self-myofascial 2 of 12 release, which is relatively convenient, effective, and affordable [7][8][9][10][11]. On the other hand, in [12], the effects of massage were rather small and only relevant in the short term.…”